EARLY WARNING
PHOTOELECTRIC
SMOKE & FIRE ALARM
MODEL SS-901
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
The smoke alarm has a recommended service life of at least 10 years under normal
conditions.
INSTALLER: PLEASE LEAVE THIS MANUAL WITH THE PRODUCT.
SMOKE ALARM LIMITATIONS AND FUNCTIONS
• THERE ARE TWO BASIC SMOKE ALARM TYPES - IONIZATION AND PHOTOELECTRIC.
Ionization smoke alarms are your best overall choice for reliability and fast response
time, since they quickly sense small "invisible" smoke particles and will also sense
larger "visible" smoke particles. Photoelectric smoke alarms may respond more quickly
in certain types of fires, for example - slow smoldering fires with large "visible" smoke
particles. ALL TYPES OF SMOKE ALARMS HAVE LIMITATIONS. NO TYPE OF SMOKE
ALARM CAN SENSE EVERY KIND OF FIRE OR SMOKE EVERY TIME.
• WARNING - SMOKE ALARMS WILL NOT WORK DURING A LOSS OF POWER. SINCE A
SMOKE ALARM WILL NOT WORK WITHOUT POWER, having an alarm(s) that works from two
completely different power sources, such as an AC direct wire with battery backup smoke
alarm, can give you an extra measure of protection in case of an AC power failure or a dead
battery.
• USING A SMOKE ALARM IN A SMOKY AREA LIKE A KITCHEN, OR IN A HIGH HUMIDITY
AREA NEAR A SHOWER, CAN CAUSE FALSE ALARMS. DO NOT TURN OFF THE AC
POWER TO QUIET THE ALARM. A SMOKE ALARM WILL NOT HELP PROTECT YOU IF IT
IS NOT POWERED. Properly locate your alarm to avoid nuisance alarms.
• A SMOKE ALARM MAY NOT ALWAYS WARN YOU ABOUT FIRES CAUSED BY CARELESSNESS
AND SAFETY HAZARDS LIKE SMOKING IN BED, VIOLENT EXPLOSIONS, ESCAPING GAS,
IMPROPER STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE MATERIALS, OVERLOADED ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS,
CHILDREN PLAYING WITH MATCHES, NATURAL CAUSES SUCH AS LIGHTNING, OR ARSON.
FIRE PREVENTION IS YOUR BEST SAFEGUARD.
• INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS MAY MAKE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR LOWER INSURANCE
RATES, but SMOKE ALARMS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR INSURANCE. Homeowners
and renters alike should continue to insure their lives and properties.
• SMOKE ALARMS CANNOT WORK WITHOUT POWER. Battery operated units cannot work if
the batteries are missing, disconnected or dead, if the wrong type of batteries are used or if the
batteries are not installed correctly. AC (only) powered units cannot work if the AC power is cut
off for any reason. If you are concerned about the limitations of battery or AC power, install both
types of units.
• SMOKE ALARMS CANNOT DETECT FIRES IF THE SMOKE DOES NOT REACH THEM.
Smoke from fires may not reach the sensing chamber and set off the alarm. One unit
should be installed inside each bedroom or sleeping area.
• SMOKE ALARMS MAY NOT DETECT FIRE ON ANOTHER FLOOR OR AREA OF THE
HOME. Recommended minimum protection is at least one unit in every sleeping area
and every bedroom on every level of your home. Interconnected units may provide earlier
warning than stand-alone units since all units alarm when one detects smoke.
• SMOKE ALARMS MAY NOT BE HEARD. The alarm horn in this unit meets or exceeds
current standards, but it may not be heard if: (1) the unit is located outside a closed or
partially closed door; (2) residents recently consumed alcohol or drugs; (3) the alarm is
drowned out by noise from stereos, TV's, air conditioners or other appliances or (4) if
residents are hearing impaired or sound sleepers.
• SMOKE ALARMS ARE NOT FOOLPROOF. You must test the unit weekly to ensure your
continued protection. Smoke alarms cannot prevent or extinguish fires.
• SMOKE ALARMS HAVE A LIMITED LIFE. The unit should be replaced immediately if it is
not operating properly. You should always replace a smoke alarm after 10 years.
• SMOKE ALARMS ARE NOT TO BE USED WITH DETECTOR GUARDS UNLESS THE
COMBINATION HAS BEEN EVALUATED AND FOUND SUITABLE FOR THAT PURPOSE.
• CURRENT STUDIES HAVE SHOWN SMOKE ALARMS MAY NOT AWAKEN ALL SLEEPING
INDIVIDUALS AND THAT IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF INDIVIDUALS IN THE
HOUSEHOLD WHO ARE CAPABLE OF ASSISTING OTHERS TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE
TO THOSE WHO MAY NOT BE AWAKENED BY THE ALARM SOUND OR TO THOSE
WHO MAY BE INCAPABLE OF SAFELY EVACUATING THE AREA UNASSISTED.
Visit Us on the Web! www.SmokeAlarms.com
RECOMMENDED LOCATION OF ALARMS
• Locate the first smoke alarm in the immediate area of the bedrooms. Try to protect the exit path as
the bedrooms are usually farthest from an exit. If more than one sleeping area exists, locate
additional smoke alarms in each sleeping area. If a hall is more than 40 feet (12 meters) long,
install a smoke alarm at each end.
• Locate additional smoke alarms to protect any stairway as stairways act like chimneys for
smoke and heat.
• Locate at least one smoke alarm on every floor level.
• Locate a smoke alarm in any area where a smoker sleeps or where electrical appliances are
operated in sleeping areas.
• Smoke, heat and other combustion products rise to the ceiling and spread horizontally. Mounting
the smoke alarm on the ceiling in the center of the room places it closest to all points in the room.
Ceiling mounting is preferred in ordinary residential construction. However, in mobile homes, wall
mounting on an inside partition is preferred to avoid the thermal barrier that may form at the ceiling.
• When mounting smoke alarm on the ceiling, locate it a minimum of 4" (10cm) from a side wall or
corner (see Diagram A).
• When mounting smoke alarm on a wall, if local codes allow, use an inside wall with the top edge
of the smoke alarm a minimum of 4" (10cm) and a maximum of 12" (30.5cm) below the ceiling/
wall intersections (See Diagram A).
Page 2
Mobile Home Installation:
For minimum protection, smoke alarms should be installed in compliance with H.U.D. Manufactured Home
Construction Safety Standards, Title 24 CFR, Section 3280.208 and Section 3282. For additional protection,
see Single Story Residence smoke alarm requirements/recommendations for Existing Homes and New
Construction Homes.
Note: For mobile homes built before 1978, install smoke alarms on inside walls between 4” and 12” from
the ceiling (older mobile homes have little or no insulation in the ceiling). This is especially important if the
ceiling is unusually hot or cold.
Install a smoke alarm inside each bedroom and in the hallway outside each separate sleeping area.
THIS SMOKE ALARM WILL NOT OPERATE WITHOUT A BATTERY INSTALLED.
PROPER BATTERY MUST BE INSTALLED IMMEDIATELY WHEN LOW
BATTERY SIGNAL IS GIVEN OR THE UNIT WILL FAIL. TEST WEEKLY. READ
AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS OR UNIT WILL NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
FALSE ALARMS
The smoke alarm is designed to minimize false alarms. Smoking will not normally set off the alarm
unless smoke is blown directly into the smoke alarm. Combustion particles from cooking may set off
the alarm if the smoke alarm is located close to the kitchen cooking surface. Large quantities of
combustion particles are generated from spills or broiling.
If the smoke alarm does alarm, check for fires first. If a fire is discovered, get out and call the fire
department. If no fire is present, check to see if one of the reasons listed above may have caused
the alarm.
INSTALLATION
Your smoke alarm is designed for easy mounting on wall or ceiling. A complete mounting kit is
included with the smoke alarm. First, attach the mounting bracket on the wall or ceiling with the
screws provided. Second, push and turn the smoke alarm clockwise on the mounting bracket.
(Note: Your smoke alarm is equipped with a safety device which prevents mounting unless a battery
is installed. If your smoke alarm will not lock into the mounting bracket, check to make sure a battery
is installed.)
Early warning fire detection is best achieved by the installation of fire detection equipment in
all rooms and areas of the household as follows: A smoke alarm installed in each separate
sleeping area (in the vicinity of, but outside of, the bedrooms) and heat or smoke alarms in
living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, hallways, attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility storage
rooms, basements and attached garages. Test the smoke alarm weekly to assure proper
operation.
Page 3
AVOID THESE LOCATIONS
• the garage – products of combustion are present when you start your automobile.
• near appliances or areas where normal combustion regularly occurs (kitchens, near furnaces,
gas hot water heaters). Use smoke alarms with Silence Control for these areas.
• in areas with high humidity, like bathrooms or areas near dishwashers or washing machines.
Install at least 3 feet (0.9 meters) away from these areas.
• in areas of turbulent air such as air returns or heating and cooling supply vents, smoke alarms
shall not be located where airflow prevents operation of the alarms.
• in extremely dusty, dirty or insect-infested areas. Loose particles interfere with smoke alarm
operation.
• in areas where temperature may fall below 40
0
F (4.4
0
C) or rise above 100
0
F (37.8
0
C).
• closer than 1 foot (0.3m) from fluorescent lights, electrical "noise" and flickering may affect the
alarm's operation.
• closer than 3 feet (0.9m) horizontal path from the tip of the blade of a ceiling suspended (paddle)
fan.
• on a poorly insulated ceiling or exterior wall (mount smoke alarm on an inside wall).
OPERATION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE
OPERATION: The smoke alarm is operating once the battery is connected. When products of
combustion are sensed, the unit sounds a loud alarm which continues until the air is cleared.
This alarm incorporates the internationally recognized horn signal for evacuation. During alarm
mode, the horn produces three short beeps followed by a two second pause and then repeats.
STANDBY CONDITION: The red LED flashes once every 40-60 seconds to indicate the unit is
properly functioning.
LOCAL ALARM CONDITION: The red LED flashes rapidly and the unit emits a loud, pulsating
alarm sound.
TESTING: Test by pushing the test button on the smoke alarm cover until the alarm sounds, then
release. The alarm sounds if all electronic circuitry, horn and battery are working. The alarm may
continue to sound for up to 10 seconds after the button is released. If no alarm sounds, the unit may
have a defective battery or other failure. Test the smoke alarm weekly to assure proper operation.
NEVER use an open flame of any kind to test this unit. You might accidentally
damage or set fire to the unit or to your home. The built-in test switch accurately
tests the unit's operation as required by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL).
If you choose to use an aerosol smoke product to test the smoke alarm, be
certain to use one that has been Listed to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. Safety
Standards and use it only as directed. Use of non-UL Listed products or improper
use of UL Listed products may affect the smoke alarm's sensitivity.
MAINTENANCE: The smoke alarm is virtually maintenance free. However, under
dusty conditions, a vacuum hose may be used to clear the sensing chamber of dust.
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
The smoke alarm uses a 9 Volt carbon-zinc battery. The battery should last for at
least one year under normal operating conditions. The smoke alarm has a low battery
indicator, an audible "beep." It will operate at 30-40 second intervals for a minimum of
7 days. When this indication occurs, replace the battery with an Alkaline type (Eveready
Energizer #522, Duracell #MN1604), Carbon-Zinc type (Gold Peak #1604P, Eveready
#216).
REPAIRS AND SERVICES
If the smoke alarm is defective in any way, do not tamper with the unit. Return the unit
for servicing. (See warranty for instructions or in-warranty returns.) There will be a
service charge for repairing out of warranty units.
Page 4
Page 5
DEVELOP AND PRACTICE A PLAN OF ESCAPE
BASICS OF ESCAPE PLAN
o Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and at least two escape routes from each
room. Second story windows may need a rope or chain ladder.
o Have a family meeting and discuss your escape plan, showing everyone what to do in case of fire.
o Determine a place outside your home where all of you can meet if a fire occurs.
o Familiarize everyone with the sound of the smoke alarm and train them to leave your home when they
hear the sound.
o Identify children's bedrooms with red stickers placed in the upper left corner of the windows.
They are available from your local fire department.
o Practice a fire drill at least every six months. Practice allows you to test your plan before an
emergency. You may not be able to reach your children. It is important they know what to do!
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE ALARM SOUNDS
o Leave immediately by your plan of escape. Every second counts, so don't waste time getting
dressed or picking up valuables.
o In leaving, don't open any inside door without first feeling its surface. If hot, or if you see
smoke seeping through cracks, don't open that door! Instead, use your alternate exit. If
inside door is cool, place your shoulder against it, open it slightly and be ready to slam it shut
if heat and smoke rush in.
o Stay close to the floor if air is smoky. Breathe shallowly through a cloth, wet if possible.
o Once outside, go to your selected meeting place and make sure everyone is there.
o Call the fire department from your neighbor's home – not from yours!
o Don't return to your home until fire officials say that it is all right to do so.
NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION REQUIRED PROTECTION
For your information, the National Fire Protection Association's Standard 72, reads as follows:
“11.5.1 One- and Two-Family Dwelling Units. 11.5.1.1 Smoke Detection. Where required
by applicable laws, codes, or standards for the specified occupancy, approved single-
and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed as follows: (1) In all sleeping
rooms. Exception: Smoke alarms shall not be required in sleeping rooms in existing
one- and two-family dwelling units. (2) Outside of each separate sleeping area, in
immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms. (3) On each level of the dwelling unit,
including basements. Exception: In existing one- and two-family dwelling units, approved
smoke alarms powered by batteries are permitted.
“A.11.8.3 Are More Smoke Detectors Desirable? The required number of smoke detectors
might not provide reliable early warning protection for those areas separated by a door
from the areas protected by the required smoke detectors. For this reason, it is
recommended that the householder consider the use of additional smoke detectors for
those areas for increased protection. The additional areas include the basement,
bedrooms, dining room, furnace room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the
required smoke detectors. The installation of smoke detectors in kitchens, attics
(finished or unfinished), or garages is not normally recommended, as these locations
occasionally experience conditions that can result in improper operation.”
The equipment should be installed using wiring methods in accordance with the National Fire
Protection Association’s Standard 72, Chapter 11. (National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02269).
THIS PRODUCT IS LISTED TO UL STANDARD FOR SAFETY,
UL217 6
TH
, BY UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES
288-3282-00C
UNIVERSAL FIVE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Universal Security Instruments, Inc. ("Universal") warrants your Universal
product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period
of five (5) years from the date of purchase. This warranty applies only to
the original consumer purchaser and only to products used in normal
residential use and service. If this product is found to be defective, Universal's
only obligation, and your exclusive remedy, is the repair or replacement of
the product, at Universal's discretion, provided that the product has not
been damaged through misuse, abuse, accident, modifications, alteration,
neglect or mishandling. This Warranty shall not apply to any product which
is found to have been improperly installed, set-up, or used in any way not in
accordance with the instructions supplied with the product. This warranty
shall not apply to any batteries used in the product or to any damage which
may be caused by such batteries. For repair or replacement, send the
defective product to Universal Security Instruments, Inc. at 7-A Gwynns Mills
Court, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117, postage prepaid with a payment of
$4.00 to cover the costs of return postage and handling. You must include
a proof of purchase (receipt) along with the returned product.
UNIVERSAL DOES NOT WARRANT AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY
WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OTHER THAN THE WARRANTY CONTAINED
HEREIN. NO IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THIS PRODUCT, CREATED BY STATE
LAW, SHALL EXTEND BEYOND THE TERM OF THIS WARRANTY UNLESS
SUCH LAW OTHERWISE PROVIDES. UNIVERSAL SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS
ANY LIABILITY AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR
INCIDENTAL LOSS OR DAMAGE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
DAMAGES TO ANY EQUIPMENT WITH WHICH THIS PRODUCT IS USED.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages so the above limitations or exclusions may not
apply to you.
No agent, representative, dealer, or employee of the company has the
authority to increase or alter the obligations or terms of this Warranty.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.
This Warranty is only valid for merchandise purchased from outlets in the
United States and Canada.
Visit Us on the Web! www.SmokeAlarms.com
OWINGS MILLS, MARYLAND 21117 USA
©2001 UNIVERSAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, INC,. Rev. 2009
Printed in China
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